The Westfield FFA Cup WA Preliminary Round semi-finals take place on Monday, June 5.

Underdogs aim to continue Cup magic

Jun 02, 2017

Report by Tommy Doleman

All Flags State League Division One outsiders Dianella White Eagles and Western Knights aim to continue their giant killing ways this weekend, with a place in the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 at stake.

Both sides defeated PS4 NPLWA opposition in the previous round and a win on Monday will elevate them to the national stage and put them into a State Cup Final.

Standing in their way are heavyweights Sorrento and Bayswater City, who will have home advantage and have both previously represented WA in the FFA Cup Round of 32 stage.

Dianella White Eagles coach Robbie Dunn says the team will go into their tie with the Gulls full of confidence despite a growing injury list.

“Obviously the club is buzzing at the moment,” he said.

“The players have done themselves and the club really proud. We’re still unbeaten this season and have played away from home against some really good sides in Forrestfield, Cockburn and ECU Joondalup.

“It’s a pity we won’t have our full 11 against Sorrento. We’ll be slightly patched up, but we’ll give it our best.”

Dunn, a decorated figure in WA football and a 25-time Socceroo, is hopeful that an element of the unknown can help them progress.

“Aside from (former Cockburn City striker) Angel Andres, nobody really knows too much about this group, but they’ve really hit it off and blended well together,” he said.

“It’s a bit of a league of nations. We have 10 different nationalities representing our side and it’s fantastic to see them take on board what we want to bring to the club.”

Meanwhile, a 3-1 win against NPLWA 2016 champions Perth SC in the last round will give the Western Knights plenty of confidence when they take on 2014 and 2015 NPLWA champions Bayswater City on Monday.

The Knights are coached by Trim Morgan, a former golden boot winner in the Knights treble-winning team of 1998.

Morgan hopes the Cup run can continue the good feeling that has been building at Nash Field.

“The boys are really excited,” he said.

“Training has been really upbeat in the build-up. They’re a great bunch of lads who work together and give it their all.”

Morgan said it’s not only the players who are gearing up for an exciting game.

“It’s great for the people who work so hard at the Western Knights,” he said.

“From our committee members to our volunteers, it means the world to them. The club has such a great history and to even make this stage has given us a massive boost.”